MV Agusta releases RVS #1
MV Agusta has taken the style quotient and exclusivity of their range up a notch with the formation of a special vehicles department – Reparto Veicoli Speciali (RVS).
Described as the “limited run” division of MV Agusta, RVS will be devoted to the development and production of special, limited-edition versions of existing MV Agusta motorcycles, in collaboration with the Castiglioni Research Centre (CRC) and other selected partners.
The first product from RVS was launched in June and is the simply-named ‘RVS #1’.
Number 1
Based on MV’s Brutale 800 Dragster, the RVS #1 takes that model’s 92kW 798cc inline three-cylinder engine and manages to wring another 18kW out of it for an impressive 110kW. As well as being more powerful, MV Agusta claim this upgraded, EuroIV emissions-compliant engine is also quieter and more efficient.
To get the most out of the engine, MV has developed specific new engine ride modes to provide RVS #1 owners with what’s claimed to be an “exclusive” riding experience.
In line with the power hike, weight has dropped 7kg to 160kg to further improve the power-to-weight ratio. The kilos have been stripped thanks to the employment of titanium, aluminium and carbon fibre in a number of components. A titanium exhaust, created in collaboration with SC-Project, is part of a supplied racing kit, but is for track use only.
The hand TIG-welded frame is claimed to have been designed specifically for maximum dynamic performance. Added to this are touches like lateral plates made from aviation-grade aluminium and detail panels on the fuel tank made out of titanium.
#1 Style
Part-streetfighter, part-street tracker and undeniably eye-catching, the styling touches on the RVS #1 give it a striking appearance compared to the 800 Dragster it’s based on.
Leading the way here is the round headlight in place of the oblong unit normally found on the Dragster. While it may look “old-school”, this headlight is actually pretty modern, with an inertial system that illuminates individual LEDs within the shell based on the bike’s lean angle to improve illumination performance when cornering.
Allied to this is a pair of smaller spotlights on the offside, designed to illuminate the kerbside of the road in European and American riding application. These are attached via carbon fibre mounts, so should the RVS #1 make it to Australia, assume those supplementary lights would be repositioned to the nearside.
The customised Kineo spoked rims and slightly knobby Pirelli MT 60 RS tyres gives the RVS #1 its street tracker looks, while RVS logos, #1 badging and a custom ‘honeycomb stitched’ seat are amongst the exclusive styling and detail touches.
CRC-designed componentry on the limited edition includes the bellypan, handlebars, bar-end mirrors, dashboard support and footpegs, while a racing fuel cap and those wild-looking ‘Sunstar Batfly’ brake discs from Braking are other notable features.
A skull graphic with a distinctive red eye (Terminator, anyone?), is the logo for the RVS #1 and features on the bike in a couple of places. That ‘red eye’ is also cleverly picked up with a red paint out on one of the spoke bases on each wheel
Exclusive Club
According to MV Agusta, the RVS#1 – and presumably the other limited editions to follow – will be very exclusive. Each unit is hand-built to order and will only be available to current and previous MV Agusta owners. How a prospective customer can prove past MV Agusta ownership will be interesting, but nonetheless, that’s the pitch the company are putting out.
Pricing for the RVS #1 has yet to be revealed, but is rumoured to be in the region of AU$50,000.
Along with local pricing, Australian availability is also yet to be confirmed, so potential buyers are advised to see their MV Agusta dealer for further information.
